1.36 Ct. Multi Color Black Opal (Dark Opal) from Australia

This listing presents a fine example of Black Opal, Dark Opal, a translucent multi color specimen weighing 1.36 carat, with precise dimensions of 13.93 x 5.27 x 2.48 mm. The stone is fashioned in a cushion outline and executed in a tablet cutting style, producing a low profile tablet cabochon that emphasizes broad flashes of color across a dark base. Clarity is graded eye clean at standard viewing distance, indicating an absence of visible inclusions or fractures when observed at eye level. Color intensity is assessed as intense, with concentrated zones of green and red play of color set against a deep bodytone typical of Australian dark opal material. The polish is excellent, yielding a high gloss surface that enhances light return and the apparent depth of color. There has been no enhancement to this piece, and provenance is Australia, confirming the geological origin associated with classic black opal deposits. The Natural Gemstone Company presents this gem with full disclosure on treatment status and origin.

From a lapidary perspective the tablet cut is a deliberate choice to maximize the optical performance of a dark opal blank that exhibits a broad color bar. The tablet profile minimizes height while preserving length and width, generating a wide viewing plane that allows the play of color to present as broad patches and flashes rather than confined pinpoints. During preform planning the cutter aligned the tablet axis with the most continuous color seams observed in the rough, maintaining a consistent thickness of approximately 2.48 mm to balance durability with optical saturation. Surface preparation progressed through sequential abrasives to establish accurate convex radii along the cushion outline, followed by progressive sanding to remove submicron surface irregularities and a final polish using cerium oxide based paste to achieve mirror smooth reflection. The opal microstructure responsible for the fire and spectral variation is intact, with a tight ordering of silica spheres inferred from the clean, saturated color patches. The tablet cut also reduces the potential for edge chipping in mounted settings, because the low crown limits leverage applied to the termination.

For setting considerations this tablet cushion black opal is particularly well suited to horizontal bezel and inlay applications where the wide face can be oriented to showcase the principal color axis. The dimensions work effectively for contemporary bar or pill style rings, long pendants, and bracelet inlays, with the flat tablet back facilitating secure seating and adhesive or bezel retention. A flush bezel with a narrow lip is recommended to protect the perimeter while allowing unobstructed view of the face, while a low profile prong solution can be used if the design calls for visible girdle area, taking care to place prongs outside dominant color fields to avoid visual obstruction. Given the translucency and intense color, lighting direction influences appearance strongly, so directional spot lighting will produce dramatic flashes, while diffuse ambient light will reveal more even color distribution. Care instructions include avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh solvents and extreme heat, and recommending regular inspection for fit in the mounting to prevent edge stress. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the specimen with transparent documentation and is available to advise on bespoke settings, measurement tolerances, and any additional grading or certification requests.